Caelan is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Cathail," which means "descendant of Cathal." Cathal, in turn, comes from the Irish word for "battle" or "strong."
The name Caelan is believed to have originated as a surname first, before being adopted as a given name. It is thought that the O'Cathail clan was one of the most powerful and influential families in ancient Ireland, with their territory centered around County Kerry.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Caelan or its variants. One example is Cathal mac Finguine, who ruled over the Kingdom of Connacht in the 6th century. He was known for his military prowess and political acumen, which may have contributed to the meaning associated with his name.
Today, Caelan is often used as a boy's name but can also be given to girls. It has become particularly popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite its Irish origins, it has also gained popularity in other parts of Europe and even in some South American nations.
In recent times, celebrities have chosen this name for their children, further increasing its visibility and popularity. One example is actor Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky, who named their son Caelan in 2014.
Overall, the name Caelan carries with it a rich history rooted in ancient Irish culture and mythology. Its strong and powerful meaning has contributed to its growing popularity as a given name for both boys and girls around the world.
The name Caelan peaked in popularity between 1995 and 2001 with consistently high numbers of births each year. After 2001, the number of births began to decline steadily until reaching a low point in recent years (2020-2023). Despite this decrease, Caelan remains a unique and distinctive name choice with a total of 2390 births recorded over three decades.